The new footy thread

[Bloody Brian Burke]

Do we really believe the 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar?

Bell Media extends its FIFA World Cup soccer package to 2026 - Article - TSN

I think the only way it doesn't is if one of the European FIFA candidates (Figo or van Praag) wins, and I don't think that's going to happen. FIFA opens themselves up to millions in litigation if they pull it, and they know it.

At this point, if I'm a FIFA member I'm far more concerned about Russia 2018. Their economy is in the shitter, they're invading neighbours, players playing there all want out and the tournament is just over 3 years away. Should be fun.

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

Further, Fox also extended, apparently without the negotiations even opening up for bid

FIFA grants Fox U.S. TV rights for World Cup through 2026 - Planet Futbol - SI.com

Says in there that this may be a sign that broadcasters already know the 2022 WC will be held in winter and are pissed off about ratings implications, forcing FIFA's hand and giving them the 2026 WC (which may be held in the US) for a discount.

Frankly, a World Cup in the winter will suck up about half the joy I get out of the tournament.

 

[Nasty_Magician]

Further, Fox also extended, apparently without the negotiations even opening up for bid

FIFA grants Fox U.S. TV rights for World Cup through 2026 - Planet Futbol - SI.com

Says in there that this may be a sign that broadcasters already know the 2022 WC will be held in winter and are pissed off about ratings implications, forcing FIFA's hand and giving them the 2026 WC (which may be held in the US) for a discount.

Frankly, a World Cup in the winter will suck up about half the joy I get out of the tournament.

So true. It's perfect timing since hockey is over, baseball isn't even close to being playoff time, NFL training camp doesn't start for another month and change. It's a perfect holdover.

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

So true. It's perfect timing since hockey is over, baseball isn't even close to being playoff time, NFL training camp doesn't start for another month and change. It's a perfect holdover.

Exactly, in the middle of the void. Plus the lead-up is always so exciting - after the Champions League Final all the craziness of who's going to get selected, who's hurt and racing against time to make it, who's going to get snubbed, which minnow is England going to lose to...

It's also the perfect sport for shutting down entire streets and setting up patios in the middle of them to watch on big screens like we do here. Can't exactly do that in January :/

 

[jstewismybastardson]

Further, Fox also extended, apparently without the negotiations even opening up for bid

FIFA grants Fox U.S. TV rights for World Cup through 2026 - Planet Futbol - SI.com

Says in there that this may be a sign that broadcasters already know the 2022 WC will be held in winter and are pissed off about ratings implications, forcing FIFA's hand and giving them the 2026 WC (which may be held in the US) for a discount.

Frankly, a World Cup in the winter will suck up about half the joy I get out of the tournament.

let me put the ole tin foil hat on and look at this statement

An ESPN source said the network was unaware of any negotiations for FIFA media rights in the U.S


surrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre ... whatever you say boss

how does that happen again? while the broadcaster in canada (tsn) that you (espn) have an a part ownership of is negotiating an extension??? you had no knowledge espn??? caman!!!

going back to BBB's point above, a winter world cup is probably a done deal and espn probably didnt want anything to do with it during nfl and nba season. TSN on the other hand has a huge winter void

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

let me put the ole tin foil hat on and look at this statement

An ESPN source said the network was unaware of any negotiations for FIFA media rights in the U.S


surrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre ... whatever you say boss

how does that happen again? while the broadcaster in canada (tsn) that you (espn) have an a part ownership of is negotiating an extension??? you had no knowledge espn??? caman!!!

going back to BBB's point above, a winter world cup is probably a done deal and espn probably didnt want anything to do with it during nfl and nba season. TSN on the other hand has a huge winter void

Good point on the ESPN-TSN connection. Anything to save face for them, I guess.

Should keep in mind that TSN could get NHL rights back by the time World Cup 2026 airs, though (the current deal runs until the 2025-26 season). Just depends when the WC is held - if it's before summer, ie this time of year, then TSN will be wide open. If it's after, well, who knows.

 

[esls79]

Preston is leading Man U 1-0 in the second half

I'm sure it won't last, but it's nice to see (especially if you're a Gunner)

 

[jstewismybastardson]

 

[jstewismybastardson]

but ...but ... i thought only italian soccer fans did shit like this

[ame="[MEDIA=twitter]567834870501736448[/MEDIA]"][/ame]

 

[jstewismybastardson]

i dont think enough can be said about Kruegers accomplishments ... and his turn from hockey to sawwwwcer

he's a real leader ... meanwhile the coil is stuck in the same shitter mode with all their douchebags from the past in charge of making decisions

BBC Sport - Southampton success not down to luck - chairman Ralph Krueger

 

[dash]

i dont think enough can be said about Kruegers accomplishments ... and his turn from hockey to sawwwwcer

he's a real leader ... meanwhile the coil is stuck in the same shitter mode with all their douchebags from the past in charge of making decisions

BBC Sport - Southampton success not down to luck - chairman Ralph Krueger

It truly is amazing how well the Saints have performed this season - A top-4 finish would be gravy, but Ralph Krueger has done a fantastic job and the Southampton Training Academy continues to churn out quality footballers.

/Thanks for the link, jstew.

 

[jstewismybastardson]

It truly is amazing how well the Saints have performed this season - A top-4 finish would be gravy, but Ralph Krueger has done a fantastic job and the Southampton Training Academy continues to churn out quality footballers.

/Thanks for the link, jstew.

No prob. My bro was telling me they are looking at possibly playing friendlies in north america this summer. Dont be surprised if whitecaps make an announcement soon

 

[jstewismybastardson]

icymi

 

[jstewismybastardson]

34m 34 minutes ago


Done deal: Qatar World Cup will be in Nov-Dec 2022




/So November-December 2022, basically all sports leagues in action plus the World Cup?

 

[jstewismybastardson]

jeesh ... on the spanish steps ??? really?


Filippo Ricci ‏@filippomricci
Feyenoord hooligans in action in Piazza di Spagna, Roma. #Shame

 

[jstewismybastardson]

24m24 minutes ago
@Doc2960 17th century fountain in Piazza di Spagna, designed by Bernini damaged by travelling Feyenoord ultras

 

[dash]

That's terrible (but those "fans" are definitely the worst hooligans in Holland)

 

[jstewismybastardson]

hilarious ... he scores the winning goal on a penalty and he gets stick because he took it lmao

the guy is automatic from the spot

 

[jstewismybastardson]

whole lotta 's for SAWWCER from me this week lol

 

[sabresfaninthesouth]

Yeah, I'm sure everyone on the team was super pissed that he "disrespected" them by winning the damned game. A game that they should have won easily. At home.